Igor Nikitin, CSKA head coach:
— It's simple here. We're in the series and preparing for the next game.
— Do you agree that your team is improving with each game?
— The guys played to win today, which is something we lacked in previous games. This series is pretty even, except for the first game. We started the series the wrong way. The opponent is very tough. This is a very good time for many young guys to develop, because consistency is a sign of skill.
— Do you feel that this current team isn't showing its full potential and that it can play better?
— We always say, "Guys, you don't even know your potential." You'll only discover it if you turn yourself inside out. We're up against an opponent who forces you to do that every shift.
— A question about Denis Zernov. He missed several games and is now playing on the edge of the fourth line again. Is the downtime affecting him?
— Naturally, he hasn't played or practiced properly for a month. Plus, I'll say it again, the speed is on both sides. It's not even that it's high, but the pace never stops. No matter how hard you practice, getting into the rhythm of the game is the hardest part.
— The playoffs always bring out the leaders, especially those who might have remained silent during the regular season and are now starting to shine. Do you see such players on your team yet?
— We, of course, know our leaders and potential leaders. They might not have a phenomenal round against Avangard, but they're definitely gaining phenomenal experience. And experience, if used correctly, can't be taught. It forces you to develop.
— Given the difficult situation before the match, did you prepare the team in any special way psychologically?
— Obviously, the task is very difficult. The local one, on the contrary, is very clear. Next game. That's why we focused on that, and we encouraged the guys to do so. Opportunities like these rarely come your way, when you're on the edge and need to show your best.
— Do you feel like this series is special for Klim Kostin, given his past?
— I don't think so. I think it's his style of play. I know him from a different perspective from Omsk. We're also playing against a serious adult team, where there are plenty of guys who can play like that. Plus, this is the fourth game in the series.
— Vitaly Abramov missed the last game. Today he came on and made two assists. Have you talked to him about it?
— No, it's just that the pace is really fast. It's not easy for him at that pace. So we just gave him a break, and we emphasized that his job is simply to prepare for the next game. He did a good job, he prepared, and he helped the team.
Guy Boucher, Avangard head coach:
— Today was a competitive game, as was the entire series. I always expect all playoff series to be very competitive and challenging. I expect seven games in each round, and even a third overtime in Game 7. That's why the score is now 3-1. If they'd told us before the series started that it would be like that, I think we all would have agreed. We managed to take one game on the road, and the series is back home.
— You had the highest shot activity — 40 shots on goal — but there weren't many opportunities. Perhaps you weren't doing enough in front of the net?
— Here, I have to praise the opposing team's goaltender, because he really played well today. After the first period, we had an 18-6 advantage in shots on goal. Considering we're playing on the road, that never happens. Here, the opposing team was playing for survival, including the goalie, because the goalie is the number one player in moments like these, and they deserve credit. It's all his doing.
— A question about the goal conceded fairly quickly. To what extent did it adjust our game plan?
— Here, it's exactly the opposite. We never change our game plan, even if the opponent opens the scoring, even if they score two goals. That's why, because we never panic in such situations, we're the best team on the road. We change absolutely nothing; we stick to our game. That's the reaction you mentioned; that's how fans and journalists react, but not the coach or the team.
Naturally, you expect your opponent to be strong, they can score one or two, but you have to play the full 60 minutes and even more, even if it takes overtime. If you can't cope when you have ups and downs, when the situation on the ice is completely different, then you have no business in hockey. I've been coaching for over thirty years, and I'd say nothing surprises me.
Two good teams are playing, two strong teams. We tied the score in the same period. We basically did the same thing in the previous game. We all knew it wouldn't be easy. If you think the playoffs are easy, it means you've simply never reached this stage.
